Area Of Bahia Research Articles

Clinical utility of polymerase chain reaction-based detection of Leishmania in the diagnosis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

We evaluated the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in an area in Bahia, Brazil, where Leishmania braziliensis is endemic. Leishmania DNA was detected in 50 cases, yielding a positivity rate of 100%, which was higher than the rates for all of the other diagnostic methods studied--namely, the Montenegro skin test, anti-Leishmania serological testing, and microscopic examination of lesion biopsy specimens. These findings have led us to propose guidelines for the diagnosis of ACL that use PCR as the principal means of parasitological confirmation of cases.

Association between Mite Allergen (Der p 1, Der f 1, Blo t 5) Levels and Microscopic Identification of Mites or Skin Prick Test Results in Asthmatic Subjects

Background: Mite allergens have been involved in airway sensitization and allergic diseases. Immunoassays for the identification and quantifiction of house dust mite (HDM) allergens are useful to improve the knowledge of regional mite fauna and the remediation of mite allergens in allergic diseases. The present study analyzed the association between levels of HDM allergen and results of mite identification or skin prick test (SPT) in two different areas of Bahia, Brazil. Methods: Forty-two asthmatic subjects from a rural area (group I; n = 21) and a slum (group II; n = 21) were evaluated through SPT with HDM allergens and had dust samples collected at their homes for mite identification and allergen measurements. Results: Positive SPT to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Blomia tropicalis allergens were observed in 42.9, 38.0 and 42.9% subjects from group I and in 47.6, 19.0 and 33.3% subjects from group II, respectively. D. pteronyssinus and B. tropicalis were identified in approximately 76 and 50% of samples from both groups, respectively. D. farinae was identified in 38.0 and 9.5% of samples from groups I and II, respectively (p < 0.005). Der p 1, Der f 1 and Blo t 5 detection were associated with mite identification (p < 0.05). Association between HDM allergen levels over 2 µg/g of dust and positive SPT occurred only with D. pteronyssinus (p < 0.0001). Conclusions:D. pteronyssinus was the most prevalent mite species in this study followed by B. tropicalis and D. farinae. Immunoassays done to measure mite allergens were associated with mite-species identification. We conclude that these three mite species must be included on panels for the diagnosis of allergic airway diseases in subjects living in such regions.

Implementing Environmental Policies in Developing Countries Through Decentralization: The Case of Protected Areas in Bahia, Brazil

Governments have two apparently conflicting roles to play: promoter of economic development and protector of environmental quality. Economic development interests tend to have priority on the agenda of most developing country governments, creating obstacles to the implementation of environmental protection policies. This trend can be reversed by introducing environmental protection concerns into the mainstream development agenda by decentralizing environmental policy implementation to development-oriented agencies. In the case of the government of the Brazilian State of Bahia, the decentralized creation and administration of protected areas among several agencies at the state level primarily accounted for the ability of the state to establish a large number of protected areas.

A New Species of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) from Bahia, Brazil

Aristolochia longispathulata, a new species from the is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to Aristolochia subser. Hexandrae F. Gonzalez. It is easily recognized by flowers that are slightly curved and have a long, spatulate, fimbriate limb, which is pale green on the inner surface. Aristolochia longispathulata is similar to A. arcuata and A. rumicifolia, from eastern and southeastern Brazil. Its floral morphology also resembles that of A. peltata, from the West Indies, and A. sessilifolia, from southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. RESUMO. Neste trabalho uma nova especie de Aristolochiaceae da Mata Atlantica, Bahia, Brasil, A. longispathulata, e descrita e illustrada. Esta espc Capellari, 1996; Moore, 1915). A new collection of Aristolochia from Bahia, Brazil, has come to my attention because of its long, spatulate, fimbriate flowers (Fig. 1). This collection does not match any species known to occur in northeastern or eastern South America (see Ahumada, 1967, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1989; Feuillet & Poncy, 1998; Hauman, 1923; Hoehne, 1927, 1942; Masters, 1875; Moore, 1915). There is some resemblance with A. rumicifolia Martius & Zuccarini (see Martius & Zuccarini, 1824, tab. 54), from the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and A. arcuata Masters (Fig. 2), from the states of Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. However, the last two species differ from the Bahian collection in several important diagnostic characters (Table 1), such as the shape and size of the leaves, the length of the peduncle and ovary, and the overall shape of the perianth. The discovery of a new Aristolochia species comes as no surprise as the area of Bahia is well known for endemism not only for plants but also for various groups of animals (see, e.g., Mori et al., 1983). Unfortunately, only a few patches of undisturbed forest remain in that area, which may be the reason for having no other specimens of this new species besides the type collection. Aristolochia longispathulata F. Gonzalez, sp. nov. TYPE: Brazil. Bahia: Jussari, Serra do Teimoso, 7.5 km N of Jussari on road to Palmira, then 2 km W to Fazenda Teimoso, then 45 min. walk W to Reserva da Fazenda Teimoso, 15010'S, 39035'W, 300-450 m, 8 Feb. 1998 (fl), W W Thomas, A. M. Amorim & J. L. Paixao 11741 (holotype, CEPEC; isotype, NY). Figure 1. Aristolochia arcuata et A. rumicifolia affinis, a qua imprimis differt perianthio subrecto, usque 9.5 cm longo, limbo spatulato longiore usque 7 cm longo, fimbriato, pagina interna viridi-glauca. Glabrescent vine. Petioles to 2.5 cm long; blades narrowly ovate, 8-16 cm long, 3-4.5 cm wide, membranaceous, smooth, base slightly cordate, sinus 5-10 mm deep, lobes parallel, apex obtuse, glabrous and with small white, siliceous bodies above, pale green and puberulous especially along the veins below; venation acrodromous, basal primary veins 3, prominent on the lower side, higher order venation densely reticulate, prominulous on NovoN 10: 371-374. 2000. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.211 on Mon, 08 Aug 2016 06:05:20 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms

Breastfeeding indicators in the city of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate breast-feeding indicators surveying current alimentary status of under- two-year-old children.METHODS: During Vaccinations day, on June 15th, 1996, 3,898 mothers were interviewed in urban areas of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. The methodology proposed at WHO/CED/SER 91.14 was used. Rates were calculated for the appropriate age groups: breast-feeding exclusive and predominant, persistence of breast-feeding one and two years, median duration of breast-feeding, timely complemented breast-feeding, bottle-feeding and pacifiers utilization.RESULTS: The main results were exclusive breastfeeding rate of 45.6%, in children from 0-3 months old; breastfeeding medium duration of 9 months; and persistence of 45.4% of breastfeeding in children from 12-15 months old. CONCLUSIONS: These results pointed that children in Feira de Santana are benefitting from breast-feeding more than in other areas of Bahia and other states of the Brazilian Northeast reflecting correct orientation. The methodology revealed ease to applicate providing significant and replicable samples. Wider utilization of standardized methodologies will contribute to improve monitoring of breast-feeding indicators in Brazil.

Plants used in the treatment of leishmanial ulcers due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in an endemic area of Bahia, Brazil.

This paper records the plants used in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (L(V)b) among the rural population of a cocoa-producing coastal area of Bahia state, Brazil. An enquiry conducted among a hundred patients identified 49 plants species used to treat skin ulceration caused by this Leishmania species. The principal plants used are caju-branco (Anacardium occidentale, Anacardiaceae), used by 65% of the population, folha-fogo (Clidemia hirta,Melastomataceae) 39%, alfavaca-grossa (Plectranthus amboinicus, Lamiaceae) 33%, mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides, Chenopodiaceae) 31%, erva-de-santa-maria (Solanum americanum, Solanaceae) (25%) and transagem (Plantago major, Plantaginaceae) 2%.

Schistosomiasis mansoni in Bahia, Brazil: historical trends and control measures

In order to aid the development of new approaches to schistosomiasis control, changes were analyzed in prevalence at the county level in the State of Bahia from the 1950s to the 1990s, as were determinants and the effect of community-based chemotherapy. In general, no substantial changes were observed in the basic pattern of spatial distribution of the prevalence of infection. However, during the period studied, there was an overall reduction in prevalence from 15.6% to 9.5% and an increase in prevalence rates in some counties from the western, southeastern, and northern areas of Bahia, indicative of new transmission areas. The effect of mass chemotherapy was analyzed. In the Paraguaçu Basin, where this control measure was used on a large scale, there was a reduction in prevalence similar to areas where this measure was not used. Correlation and regression analysis also failed to show links between mass chemotherapy and long term reduction in prevalence. The most powerful variables to explain these changes were those related with population dynamics. These findings strongly suggest that the reduction in prevalence observed in some areas of the State must be attributed to factors related with the spatial organization of this territory, causing a general decrease in the transmission rate, secondary to mass chemotherapy. At the same time, the incomplete form and the spatial inequalities that characterized the urbanization process created favorable conditions for the spread of schistosomiasis mansoni and the establishment of new foci.

Mudança do componente cognitivo da atitude de uma população de região endêmica do sul da Bahia diante da leishmaniose tegumentar

The mutilant nature of the mucosal form of leishmaniasis can cause alterations in personal relations. To identify the level of understanding of leishmaniasis and the psychological reaction to it patients and houseowners in an endemic area of Bahia were interviewed. Several false beliefs were identified and there was a strong tendency to reject mutilated patients among the population for a false fear of contagion. Possibly future clarification of the real nature of leishmaniasis could change such a negative attitude among the resident population.

A field study of proteinuria in individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni

Proteinuria was detected in 24.7% of 89 individuals with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and in only 4.6% of 86 subjects with mild hepato-intestinal schistosomiasis, all of them living in comparable conditions in two endemic areas in Bahia, Brazil. From nine individuals who hadproteinuria over30 mg/100ml, eight had hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. These findings maybe related to the presence of schistosomal nephropathy and reveal the significance of this condition in thefield in endemic areas of schistosomiasis.

THE GEOLOGIC EVOLUTION OF SOUTH AMERICA DURING THE ARCHAEAN AND EARLY PROTEROZOIC

ln the South American continent, Archaean and Lower Proterozoic terranes can be found in all tectonic domains, but especially within the Amazonian and Sao Francisco cratons. They can also be found within the Sao Luis, Luis Alves and Rio de La Plata cratonic fragments, as well as within all mobile belts of the Brasiliano orogenic cycle, as reworked basement. The Arequipa massif is lhe only identified Lower Proterozoic unit in the Andean belt. Within the Amazonian craton, the Central Amazonian province is made up of Archaean rocks, exhibiting conditions since at least the Lower Proterozoic. It is bounded to the north by the Maroni-Itacaiunas mobile belt, in which the major tectonomagmatic episode occurred in the early Proterozoic, the Transamazonico orogenic cycle. It comprises large portions of supracrustal rocks, identified as greenstone belts, associated to gneisses and migmatites, as well as fragments of high-grade polymetamorphic terranes in which Archaean ages were obtained. Within the Sao Francisco craton, three main types of ancient geologic terranes occur: 1) Archaean granite-greenstone terranes, such as the Brumado-Anajo area in Bahia, and the Quadrilatero Ferrifero area in Minas Gerais; 2) Lower Protcrozoic supracrustal belts, such as the Jacobina, Serrinha and Contendas-Mirante sequences in Bahia, and the Minas Group in Minas Gerais; and 3) Medium to high-grade metamorphic terranes, subjected to extensive granitization during the Transamazonic orogeny (Salvador-Juazeiro mobile belt), and including Archaean cratonic fragments, of grunulitic composition, such as the Jequie-Mututpe complex in Bahia. Ancient terranes were also found within the mobile belts of the Brasiliano cycle, where they make up their ensialic basement. Lower Proterozoic type radiometric ages are predominant, especially within the Borborema province and the Ribeira belt. Taking into account the general distribution of the ancient terranes, it seems that a major part of the South American continental crust was already existent as such just alter the Transamazonico cycle. Moreover, since the known Transamazonico belts are ensialic, it is clear that large portions of continental material were formed earlier, in Archaean times.

A three year follow-up of chemotherapy with oxamniquine in a Brazilian community with endemic schistosomiasis mansoni

Oral oxamniquine was tested as a control strategy for endemic schistosomiasis in a rural area of Bahia, Brazil. Adults were treated with a single dose (12·5 to 15 mg per kg) and children (<12 years old) with a total of 20 mg per kg in two doses. The 191 (infected) persons treated represented 69% of the infected population in the study area. Follow-up stool examinations (Kato-Katz method) at one, 3, 6, 13, 25 and 33 months showed the cure rate declining from 80% at three months to 46% at 33 months. Over one half of those not cured showed a decrease in egg counts throughout the follow-up which, after 33 months, remained 66% below the pre-treatment levels. Stool examinations conducted on all study area residents during three years before chemotherapy showed the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection to be high and stable. 33 months after the chemotherapy the prevalence was 41% and for infected individuals the geometric mean egg count was 121 epg, a decline of respectively 35% and 40% from pre-treatment levels for each index. Chemotherapy of infected persons with oxamniquine protected the community as a whole from high worm burdens for almost three years, although at this point the prevalence began to rise towards pretreatment levels.

Possible wind transport of coffee leaf rust across the Atlantic Ocean.

COFFEE leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk. and Br.), for long widespread in Asia and Africa, can devastate crops of Coffea arabica. The fungus spread rapidly in West Africa between 1952 and 19621,2, but the New World seemed free from it until 1970 when it was found scattered over a wide area in Bahia, Brazil, where its consequences may be serious3,4. Indeed, in an attempt to protect the valuable crop farther south, a quarantine belt is being established 500 miles long and 30 miles wide from Rio de Janeiro to beyond Bello Horizonte in which all coffee trees are being destroyed.

Treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis classified according to the history of previous chemotherapy and without reference to pre-treatment drug sensitivity

Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis can be classified into groups according to the history of previous chemotherapy. One group includes patients who deny any previous treatment, those who admit to not more than 30 days treatment regardless of its quality, and those who admit to treatment of longer than 30 days but in whom the treatment has been of good quality. In such patients it is unnecessary to carry out sensitivity tests, for good results with an initially triple-drug regimen (streptomycin, isoniazid and PAS) can be achieved without them. In 106 patients in whom sensitivity tests were not done 100% sputum conversion on smear examination was obtained after five months. In a similar group of 103 with cultures reported sensitive to all three drugs 100% conversion was obtained after four months. In Rio de Janeiro 81% of 913 patients in this category treated by a simple standard regimen without sensitivity tests were classed as ‘bacteriologically favourable’ after one year. Relapse was rare -only 1·6% during a minimum of 22 years observation. Similar good results can also be obtained in underdeveloped areas, if the organization of treatment services is efficient. For instance, in an area of Bahia in which all the health centres could do smear examinations but few had x-ray facilities, 75% of 529 patients were classed after a year as `bacteriologically favourable' and only 7 % had defaulted from treatment.

PALEOGEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AMERICA

PALEOGEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AMERICA

Paleogeography of South America

Paleogeography of South America